Indiscipline nearly cost Saffron Walden dearly against Canterbury 2nds but they just edged three points that moves them closer to safety in the East League Premier.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Julia Westnedge in action. Picture: Jamie PluckJulia Westnedge in action. Picture: Jamie Pluck (Image: Archant)

Walden were twice reduced to 10 players but they still managed to win 2-1 against the team directly above them in the table. With five games remaining, Walden are one point off safety.

Walden started brightly and took an early lead when Katherine Langridge deflected in a Tash Cox cross.

Canterbury struggled to get their playmakers on the ball as Walden reduced space in midfield, forcing the opposition to pass backwards. This tactic produced an error from a Canterbury defender that Kate O’Sullivan pounced on and passed to Langridge. She dribbled into the D, and with the goal keeper committed, crossed for Westnedge to push into an empty net, 2-0.

The opposition, now spurred into a higher tempo, were looking to take free hits quickly and having already been warned for not retreating five metres, a Walden player was sin binned.

Walden defended resolutely during this time, Katy Borgeson making a string of saves, and made it to the break with their lead in tact. Walden did not learn from their mistake and another yellow card was issued for the same offense early in the second period, this time sidelined for 10 minutes.

After a barrage of Canterbury short corners, Walden eventually conceded but their defensive tactics during this period worked as the home side failed to further capitalise on their numerical advantage.

Langridge came close to restoring the two-goal advantage with a deflected effort after a strong run and pass from Deeds Hill, but in the end they had done enough to claim the much needed three points.